Man arrested after assault leaves victim in critical condition

Stamford Rugby Club has paid tribute to a much-loved sweet and happy five-year-old boy who sadly died suddenly last week, with more than £22,000 now raised in his memory.

Benedict Blythe, a pupil at Barnack Primary School in Stamford, died on Wednesday, December 1. His mum Helen posted an emotive tribute on Twitter with a photo of her son, with his cuddly toy monkey Ray, which received almost 880,000 reactions and more than 34,000 comments.

The little boy’s dad Pete used to play for Stamford Rugby Club and still attends matches and social functions, and his son’s death has touched the whole club, the local community and people across the country. A GoFundMe page has already raised more than £22,666 – make a donation here.

Stamford Rugby Club held a one-minute silence before their two home matches on Saturday and paid tribute to Benedict saying: “We are devastated to hear the news of the loss of Pete and Helen Blythe’s beautiful son Benedict.

“Pete has been such a part of our club – having played in the first team. He still comes down to training to support the lads and always has the banter in the WhatsApp groups.

“This is awful news has touched everyone, not just at the club, but also the Stamford community. Please, if you can, donate to their GoFundMe page.”

A GoFundMe page set up by Rebecca Mitchell has received more than 1,400 donations. She described Benedict as the “sweetest, happiest, most magical boy in the world”.

All the money raised will go towards Barnack Primary School, so that other children can learn like Benedict loved to, and for The Fenland Light Railway which Benedict loved so much.

Rebecca said said: “He was confident, compassionate and so witty. He’s asleep now, cuddling his monkey, Ray, who will look after him.

“Benedict loved to learn, he loved trains and he loved his friends. He skipped into his first day of school saying ‘I wonder what I will learn today mummy? He loved visiting The Fenland Light Railway too. We will always cherish the memories of doing the things he enjoyed as a family.”

Benedict’s death continues to touch the hearts of the local community, and a book with photographs of Benedict has been set up at Barnack Church for anyone wishing to visit, light a candle, or talk.

In response to the fundraiser, and all the tributes and messages, Helen said: “Thank you for the messages. I’ve not read them all, but the ones I’ve seen mean the world. For anyone who would like, we set up donations to go to the places he loves best and would love you to contribute.

“Reading the names and stories of all the children, seeing their faces and hearing their names has made this feel less lonely. I had never expected this, but being held by the many supportive hands and the kind words has given all of us who loved him so much comfort. Thank you.”

Donate to the fundraiser here

A 55-year-old man has denied a charge of attempted murder after a domestic incident in Grantham.

Lincolnshire Police were called to an incident involving three people at a property in Manchester Way at 9.51pm on Wednesday, October 27.

A woman in her 50s was seriously injured after suffering a puncture wound and a man in his 20s suffered minor burn injuries, police said.

Mark Hough, of Manchester Way in Grantham, was arrested in connection with the incident and was remanded in custody after appearing at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court.

Hough this morning (Monday, December 6) appeared at Lincoln Crown Court where he entered a not guilty plea to attempting to murder Alison Worley on October 27 this year.

He also denied a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm to his son, Joshua Hough, on the same date.

Judge John Pini QC adjourned the case for a trial beginning at Lincoln Crown Court on April 4 next year. The trial is expected to last four days.

Hough was remanded back into custody and will appear at Lincoln Crown Court for a further case management hearing on January 5 next year. There was no application for bail.

Judge Pini told Hough: “I am remanding you back into custody. Your trial will be listed on April 4 next year.”

Investigations are under way after the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Grimsby.

Humberside Police has reported the teenage victim was walking along Eleanor Street in Grimsby between 7.25pm and 7.40pm on Wednesday, December 1, when she was approached by an unknown man.

The man, described as white and of slim build, then allegedly sexually assaulted her and officers are appealing for anyone in the vicinity at the time to come forward.

He is reported to have been wearing a distinctive white baseball cap with a large W on it, as well as wearing a black hoodie with a black gillet and grey Reebok shoes.

If you were in the area at the time of the incident, or saw anything suspicious, contact Humberside Police on 101 and quote incident number 242 of December 1.